United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Thailand citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Thai citizen? You will need a B1/B2 visitor visa, which costs US$185 and requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok. Wait times for interviews can be 2-3 months, so apply early. This guide covers all requirements for a successful US visa application.
USA Tourist Visa for Thai Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Thailand citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Thai passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US
Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application
Recent photograph meeting US visa requirements
In-person interview at US Embassy Bangkok
Proof of sufficient funds for your trip
Strong evidence you will return to Thailand
Application Process
Thai citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visa with an in-person interview.1
1. Complete DS-160 Online
Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online.1 This takes 1-2 hours. Key sections include:
- Personal information
- Travel plans
- Employment history
- Previous US travel
- Security questions
Print the confirmation page with barcode.
2. Create Profile and Pay Fee
Create a profile on USTravelDocs and pay the US$185 visa fee.2 Payment can be made via:
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
- Credit/debit card
- Cash at Krungsri Bank
3. Schedule Interview
Book your interview appointment through USTravelDocs.2 Current wait times are 2-3 months, so schedule early.
4. Prepare Documents
Gather supporting documents:1
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Interview appointment letter
- 2x2 inch photograph
- Bank statements (6 months)
- Employment letter
- Evidence of ties to Thailand
5. Attend Interview
Visit the US Embassy in Bangkok on your appointment date.1
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- No electronics, food, or large bags allowed
- Interview typically lasts 2-5 minutes
- Answer questions honestly and directly
6. Wait for Decision
If approved, passport with visa is typically ready within 2-7 business days.1 If additional processing is needed, it may take longer.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Amount (THB approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application (MRV) | 185 | 6,500 |
The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.3
What You Need to Prove
US immigration law presumes you intend to immigrate. You must overcome this by proving:1
- Non-immigrant intent: You will return to Thailand
- Strong ties: Employment, property, family, business in Thailand
- Financial capability: Funds to support your trip
- Clear purpose: Specific reason for visiting the US
- Limited stay: Plans to depart before visa expires
Interview Tips
The interview is crucial for US visa approval:1
Do:
- Be confident and calm
- Answer directly and briefly
- Look the officer in the eye
- Tell the truth
- Have your documents organized
Don’t:
- Over-explain or ramble
- Provide documents unless asked
- Be nervous or defensive
- Lie or exaggerate
- Argue with the officer
Processing Times
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Interview Wait Time | 2-3 months |
| Post-Interview (if approved) | 2-7 business days |
| Administrative Processing | Weeks to months |
Check current wait times on USTravelDocs.2
US Embassy Bangkok
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 95 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan |
| Interview Hours | Monday-Friday (except holidays) |
| Website | th.usembassy.gov |
No walk-in appointments available. Schedule through USTravelDocs.2
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved:
- Collect passport via courier or pick-up
- B1/B2 visa typically valid 10 years
- Each entry stay determined by CBP officer (usually up to 6 months)
- At US port of entry, answer questions honestly
- Keep return ticket and accommodation details accessible
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is denied:
- Understand the reason: Usually Section 214(b) - unable to prove non-immigrant intent
- Review your situation: What ties can you strengthen?
- Reapply when circumstances change: New job, property, marriage, etc.
- No mandatory waiting period: But reapplying immediately rarely helps
The most common reason is failing to prove strong ties to Thailand.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Unable to Overcome Immigrant Intent Presumption
Failed to demonstrate strong ties to Thailand and intent to return.
How to avoid: This is the most common reason. Show stable employment, property, family, business that require you to return.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Unable to demonstrate adequate funds for the trip.
How to avoid: Provide bank statements showing regular income over 6 months. Show you can afford the trip without depleting savings.
Poor Interview Performance
Inconsistent answers or nervous responses during interview.
How to avoid: Be confident, honest, and direct. Answer questions clearly. Don't over-explain or provide unnecessary information.
Weak Travel History
Limited international travel or previous visa overstays.
How to avoid: Build travel history with other countries first. Be honest about any previous issues.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague travel plans or unable to explain purpose of visit.
How to avoid: Have clear, specific plans. Know your itinerary, where you'll stay, and what you want to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Thai citizens need a visa for the USA?
Yes, Thai citizens need a B1/B2 visitor visa to enter the United States. Thailand is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
How much does a US visa cost for Thai citizens?
The B1/B2 visa application fee is US$185 (approximately 6,500 THB). This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
How long does US visa processing take for Thai citizens?
Interview wait times are typically 2-3 months. After a successful interview, the visa is usually issued within 2-7 business days.
How long can Thai citizens stay in the USA on a tourist visa?
The immigration officer at entry determines your stay, typically up to 6 months. The B1/B2 visa itself may be valid for 10 years.
Where do I apply for US visa from Thailand?
Apply online through USTravelDocs, then attend an interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok.
What is the US visa approval rate for Thai citizens?
The approval rate is approximately 75% for Thai applicants. Strong ties to Thailand are crucial for approval.
Do I need an interview for US tourist visa?
Yes, an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok is required for most applicants.
How long is the US tourist visa valid?
B1/B2 visas for Thai citizens are typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry. Each stay is limited by the immigration officer at entry.